The Mazowe River (previously called Mazoe River; also known as the Luenha River) is a river in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The river rises north of Harare, flows north and then northeast, where it forms part of the border with Mozambique, before entering the Zambezi River. In 1920, the Mazowe Dam was constructed on the river forty kilometres north of Harare to irrigate citrus farms.

The river and its tributaries are a popular site for gold panners, although in the wet season, the Mazowe becomes a raging torrent, often breaking its banks and causing damage to local communities and farms.

Pans are measured by their diameter in inches. Common sizes of gold pans today ranges between 10-17 inches, with 14 inches being the most used size. Pans are manufactured in both metal and high impact plastic. Heavy gauge steel pans are traditional. Steel pans are heavier and stronger than plastic pans. Some are made of lightweight alloys for structural stability. Plastic gold pans resist rust, acid and corrosion, and most are designed with molded riffles along one side of the pan. Of the plastic gold pans, green and blue ones are usually preferred among prospectors, as both the gold and the black sand stands out in the bottom of the pan.

Africa is the world's largest producer of diamonds, producing as much as 50% of global production. To date, Africa has produced over 75%, in value, of the world's diamonds with more than 1.9 billion carats worth an estimated $US 158 billion mined. Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are key producers of diamods.

The accidental discovery of alluvial diamond deposits in the process of panning for gold that uncovered Zimbabwe's diamond resources recently has happened also in Australia, Brazil and Canada.

Background - Mosi-oa-Tunya

Our Executive Project Director will be Cecil Kumiere (Veldfield Pvt. Ltd. | Harare); Managing partner, Jason Bowman, (Victus Unlimited | Toronto) has roots in Sudbury, Ontario and has grown up on the Canadian Shield in Ontario. Childhood panning and prospecting on Crown Land taught him to know the difference between fool's gold, real gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, zinc, lead, and amethyst.

As a child, Jason's most sought - and prized material, however was pure quartz. The clearest and most flawless of all colors were gathered and ranked. In Ontario, silica-cemented quartz arenites of Archaean age are well preserved in several greenstone belts, making it a young rockhound's ideal backyard.

While developing cooperative ventures in India in 2006, Jason received information that not only did Canada (in the area he spent many summers) have alluvial diamonds, but so did Zimbabwe - not far from Mosi-oa-Tunya - not far from what is now the Mazowe River, and elsewhere. Jason was asked by the Director of International Operations after touring the Mumbai Headquarters of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, to investigate synergies with respect to Zimbabwe's bio diesel agriculture equipment needs, and was kindly provided with support materials to forward to relevant parties in Africa. Other partners asked that he investigate tourism, mineral & resource development, and agriculture sectors as well for potential areas of cooperation specifically. This defined the primary scope of Jason's first visit to Zimbabwe.

STEP 1. Establish a small panning plant for testing deposits for precious and semi-precious materials and indicators:

What are we looking for?

Why?

Panning and jigging using water is a useful but time-consuming process which simply replicates the separation processes in nature over time. We know that during heavy metals (HM) analysis, the petrographic and ore microscope is supplemented. These techniques can successfully be applied not only to identify HM but also used for morphological as well as surface analyses both of which are of assistance in constraining the media of transport and the depositional environments.

Other techniques tested in Canada have proved to be successful tools to study morphometric and granulometric issues and to determine the way of transport of HM and accumulation of placer minerals.

Also, single grain dating by means of fission track dating and other techniques provide more accurate age data of HM and give an insight into the erosion history, uplift of source rocks and basin subsidence.

While in most sediments, HM are present only as accessory minerals, in placer deposits ilmenite, rutile, “leucoxene”, zircon, monazite, xenotime, garnet, chromite and magnetite become valuable heavy minerals (VHM) and may achieve economic grades in different types of placer deposits. They may be subdivided into elluvial, residual, colluvial, alluvial-fluvial (favorable environments and traps zones are point and braided bars, potholes, riffles, gravel lag), littoral-coastal (favorable traps zones are nearshore bars, shoals, drowned river mouth deposits) and aeolian (coastal and inland dunes) placer deposits.

Understanding where the Mazoe deposits are richest is vital to the implementation of a viable and sustainable resource development regime. Because Veldfield had identified where a particular layer stands, our geologists have suggested where first to examine for residual surface deposits. Panning and extraction of precious metals and gemstones is labor-intensive, and not advisable until targeted data in respect of indicators and placer minerals is provided. However, Veldfield has already identified areas of particular preliminary interest, including the Mazoe River site.

Irrigation, drainage, and hydro management / development is linked to sustained mineral development in Zimbabwe, as in Canada, and elsewhere.

An Offer of Canadian Cooperation With Sample Analysis - Irrigation / Canal Development

Sorting of rough diamonds by hand begins with separation into different size groups by sieving. Highly skilled sorters must now grade these groups into about 7000 different categories according to crystal shape, colour and quality (extent of flaws and impure inclusions).

In each group the better diamonds are classified as gems or near gems and the poorer ones as industrial. Hand sorting on the basis of size, colour and shape is used during stage 1 in conjunction with regulations.

Cutting and polishing of a rough diamond traditionally starts with 'cleaving' (splitting) a diamond along its grain (weaker crystal planes) to divide it into smaller pieces or remove flaws and impurities. Very thin circular metal blades impregnated with diamond dust or lasers are used to saw across the grain of diamond. A cleaved or sawn diamond is roughly shaped or 'bruted' by grinding its edges off with another diamond. The end result resembles the shape of a spinning-top. Cutting and polishing of gemstones is an skillful still passed down through generations.

A horizontal spinning metal wheel (scaife) covered with diamond dust is used to grind and polish flat faces (facets) on bruted diamonds. To obtain the maximum gem brilliance the facets must be the right size and at the correct angles to each other. The 'brilliant' cut is the most common for modern jewellery diamonds and consists of 57 facets. Cut and polished diamonds are graded into numerous categories based on clarity, colour, cut and size.

Usually, more than 50% of a rough diamond is lost in cutting and polishing, or up to 80% if it is flawed or misshapen. The largest diamond ever found (about the size of a human fist), called the Cullinan diamond from Southen Africa is said to have been found in South Africa.

Alluvial Deposit Zones of Zimbabwe

Tsholotsho has been listed as one of the areas where diamonds have been discovered, along with northern Binga together with some parts of Masvingo area, according to an announcement by Mines Minister Obert Mpofu, Sunday.

He told the Sunday Mail that he has had preliminary reports on the discovery of diamonds in remote western Tsholotsho as well as in Binga, which is on the shores of Lake Kariba.

There may also be diamonds near Masvingo, which is around two hours’ drive from the diamond fields in Chiadzwa.

The largest indicated known deposit to date in Zimbabwe is located in the far south. South Africa's largest mines can been seen from space directly south of the Zimbabwe border.

Other known finds in Zimbabwe all fall within the ranges projected for river development projects. These river areas must be protected and developed locally, cooperatively, regionally, and because they are of particular national interest as well, all levels have been represented at talks.

For many years now, a commercial 6-ray activation analysis apparatus for determining the gold content in ore samples has been in use at ore mining enterprises.

Another apparatus with slightly poorer technical parameters is used to analyze geological samples for their gold and silver content. The determination of the gold or silver content is based on photoexcitation of isomeric states of nuclei of chemical elements.

The use of the photoexcitation reaction to analyze geological samples in order to determine the gold and silver content has been the subject of many studies, which have identified the elements that cause difficulties in carrying out an analysis for gold and silver (isomeric states of the Ba, Hf, Y, and Se nuclides and the photofission of U and Th), and selected the optimal values of the bremmstrahlung energy and the duration of the different stages in theanalysis.

In particular, Victus has shown that when the gold content is determined in samples taken during the working of some endogenic deposits, the optimal bremsstrahlung energy is 8 MeV and the duration of thestages is 15-2-15 sec. (or could be chosen to be 5-2-15 sec virtually without deterioration of the quality of the analysis).

In the case of such deposits, the result of the analysis is affected only by the presence of U, Th, and Ba, the last of which has only about one-tenth of the effect. This circumstance, as well as the slight difference between the spectra of the induced 6-ray activity of U and Th, measured by a scintillation detector, made it possible to choose two measuring "windows" (analytical and background) and, using the method of spectral ratios, to determine the gold content in the sample.

Mazoe - Zimbabwe's Bread Basket

Sample panning

Panning, is a form of placer mining that extracts samples and indicators of gold and other placer deposits using a pan. The process is also one of the simplest ways to extract gold and other precious materials, and is popular with geology enthusiasts because of its cheap cost and the relatively simple and easy process involved. It is the oldest method of mining gold.The first recorded instances of placer mining are from ancient Rome, where gold and other precious metals were extracted from streams and mountainsides using sluices and panning.

Our sample panning development and survey models are designed with the aim to identify the Mazoe River and her tributaries, her flood plains, and and work up stream.

We embraces farmers directly.

Expanding our model, is a relatively simple process. Once suitable placer deposits are located, some sediment from it is scooped into a pan, where it is then gently agitated in water. Materials with a low specific gravity are allowed to spill out of the pan, whereas materials with a high specific gravity sink to the bottom of the sediment during agitation and remain within the pan for examination and collection by the gold panner. These dense materials usually consist primarily of a black, magenitite sand with whatever gemstones or metal dust that may be found in the deposit that is used for source material.

Panning for samples of placers is expected also to find gold, sites thus identified, must be registered and protected, and form ideal bases points for a sustainable development because they are to be used to locate the larger parent veins of gold, alluvial deposits, etc. that most placer deposits originate from.

More importantly, these areas are being washed, flooded, and eroded as they have been for many years.

Irrigation, canals, channels, water management, aqua ducts, ports / harbors development, require long-term commitments and goals. There are things we can do today, ways we can build bridges, developments, agriculture models, etc., which revitalize our ecosystems. Small, controlled, 'green' development which is sustainable does not impact the ecosystem so long as the interdependence of natural things remains balanced.

As we improve access, understanding, pride, and responsibility of natural resources and agriculture, our model will serve as an example of a new Africa, and a new era in long struggle.

Gold panning is supported and practiced by people from all races, genders and ages and is not expensive to get into as little equipment is needed and no special physical attributes are required other than enthusiasm and passion. Victus partners have become registered on all continents, in some cases for $100 or so.

Zimbabwe - 2006 - A NEW ERA IS BORN

On September 13th, 2006, Jason Bowman flew from Mumbai, to Harare after meeting with investors and partners who wished to take part in the India-Africa Conclave. Of particular interest were geological surveys and samples, indigenous art & handicrafts, tourism & cultural development projects, education, teaching / scholarship projects and exchanges, mineral production sites and partnership ventures, and agricultural development initiatives.

During the trip, and travelling vast lands, Jason and his host Cecil, and their brothers and sisters, forged a deeper sense of mutual understanding, needs and resources available to meet such needs. Jason and Cecil were able to meet officially with the Minister of Environment & Tourism, Francis Nhema, as well as other officials as they advanced sustainable development models and gathered feedback which based the needs of today, with the requirements of unborn generations.

After meetings at embassies and with officials, NGOs, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, elders, and children, it was plain and obvious that synergies with not only Mahindra & Mahindra, but many other our Pan-Asian and American partners were evident. Forging forward, this Pilot project is a culmination of these efforts.

Supply the team

Victus outfits the project team with supplies available locally, domestically, and regionally. Additional required items are sourced accordingly, packed into containers and shipped to the initial designated pilot site.

Technology permits Victus parters and perspective investors / buyers to understand - hands on - how the project develops on the ground. Videos, streams, and conferencing, mobile communication / power technologies and add a technical edge to our teams.

Equipping our team with the tools required to excel independently and, together, as part of a sound union, remains key to the success of the project. Instructional directives, background information, technical education and support empowers our team in ways which can be measured by productivity. Equipment and other support enables a productive team to achieve even greater efficiency. Efficiency is key to sustainability.

Knowledge is Power

Jason's contacts at the metallurgy department of Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario), and in particular, time spent with Dr. Litton, Professor of Metallurgy in his lab, studies in Cambridge, U.S.A. at Harvard, as well as at University of Toronto have afforded him an excellent understanding of the importance of higher learning in its various forms, and allowing him access to great minds, associates, peers and friends.

Diamonds

Diamonds were brought close to the Earth's surface through deep volcanic eruptions by a magma, which cooled into igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites. Diamonds are thought to have been first recognized and mined in India, where significant alluvial deposits of the stone could be found many centuries ago along the rivers Penner, Krishna and Godavari. Diamonds have been known in India for at least 3,000 years but most likely 6000 years. Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Their usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history.

Mazoe River Development Pilot Project Phase 1.

Victus has identified thousands of hectares of claims, and potential claims within the Mazoe region, with rich recovery (3 to 18 grams/ton - and in some cases, even higher). We have identified rubble which preliminary analysis suggests contains alluvial placer minerals, visible gold reef, as well as established underground reef sites as potentially viable 'green' development projects which would protect the mineral resources, once identified in Phase 1.

We have also identified river development projects where irrigation and surge relief canals can result from responsible digging and sample protocol procedures and regulations.

As we work up stream, local input will identify pooling / flood areas where digging is not only advisable for sample collection geologically speaking, but channels and reservoirs (réservoir a "storehouse), or artificial lakes used to store excess water. Reservoirs will be created in river valleys. Dams and channels will be constructed with clean fill which wil filter runoff.

Victus ground excavation techniques as well as conventional construction techniques such a brickwork or cast concrete taken to new sustainable levels will be showcased. Our hope is that by using renewable, sustainable resources which are recycled, and reworked into the project as we expand growth, we can rework, and redistribute freedom in the region.

At the large-scale, open-pit mine used to extract diamond ore at Argyle, broken ore is loaded onto 150 tonne trucks for transport to crushers where it is pulverized - eventually reduced to fragments of 18 millimetre or less. During this process, any diamonds larger than 18 millimetres are fractured. The rationale is that extraction of any larger diamonds is uneconomic as statistical sampling indicates they are extremely uncommon and of poor quality. The crushed ore is washed in large rotating drums called scrubbers and fed to gently sloped, vibrating, double decked, slotted screens which sieve out three size fractions.

Finely ground ferrosilicon is mixed with water to make a thick, dense liquid (heavy media). When added to this liquid the lighter unwanted rock of the screened ore is more buoyant than the heavier diamonds. This buoyancy difference is used to separate the diamonds by pumping the liquid and its contents into downward-angled, metal cones (cyclones) in a descending spiral flow. The unwanted light material exits the top of the cyclone and diamonds and other heavy minerals exit at the bottom.

At the diamond recovery plant the heavy minerals pass through radial X-ray sorters, developed to cope with the unusually high diamond content of the Argyle ore. Diamonds, unlike most of the other heavy minerals, fluoresce (glow) when exposed to X-rays and can be identified for removal from the flow of concentrate. They are washed in acid to remove any coatings and sent to Perth for sorting, valuing and marketing.

Other alluvial deposits in Australia are strip mined by excavator and either trucked directly to a processing plant or loaded into a mobile screening plant to remove the larger rocks before trucking to the plant. Crushing is not needed, otherwise processing is very similar to that described above. Reject material from the plant is returned to backfill the mine site and the land surface is then comprehensively rehabilitated.